let's talk about REBECCA the musical in London... | first preview discussion ft

[@joeevans5770]

Rebecca is Brendon’s bad Cinderella

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

100%

[@MarcusMartn]

Makes sense 😊

[@Natilra]

The "Rebecca" documentary is how I found Wait in the Wings (because I'd just fallen in love with Kunze's musical). And WITW is what eventually led me to this glorious channel. Lovely to see you two collaborating

[@KaiOpaka]

I love WITW, esp the Rebecca story. Couldn't click fast enough on this video.

[@Redstomp]

Having my two favourite KZbin theatre channels in the same room is awesome. I've always loved when you were mentioned or popped up on each other's channels, so this was great!

[@AeronJames]

It was a lot of the fun being in the room and manning the cameras for this ❤️🙂

[@Sabsemade]

I'm so glad that Rebecca gets a second shot at an english language adaptation. The revival here in Vienna is amazing, and I'd like to see it get some recognition, not only in Asia and the rest of Europe, where it's already been played, but Uk/America as well... Looking forward to your next video on it

[@TheOneAndOnlyMarina]

As someone from Austria, it is so weird to me that all those Levy&Kunze Musicals (Elisabeth, Mozart, Rebecca,...) are not known at all in the US and UK. They are so good and massivlely popular in Germany and Austria (and parts of Asia). People here would know Elisabeth over Les Miserables. I'm very curious how Rebecca will work on the West End, I'm glad it's finally getting some attention there.

[@lisamarie7151]

your comment just made me realise that elisabeth probably is to us what les miss and phantom are for west end and Broadway; that makes so much sense

[@IWillBeHers]

I know some people, Americans even, who love Elisabeth!

[@dirkandi]

Sorry, but Rebecca is underwhelming and Mozart or Elisabeth are far too connected to Austrian/ German history to really impress foreign audiences. That's the exact reason audiences in Germany didn't connect with "Hamilton" and it didn't meet the expectations at all, although it was excessively hyped!

[@TheOneAndOnlyMarina]

@@dirkandi true, but it was such a shame about hamilton. The Hamburg production was so good. I wonder if Mozart would maybe do well abroad, since he's such a well known historic figure. More so than Elisabeth... Also all those shows did really well in Japan, so at least they are somewhat popular internationally :)

[@ChienaAvtzon]

@@dirkandi - As an American, I still cannot understood why “Hamilton” has an international tour. The story only makes sense to the Anglo-world.

[@bookworm83197]

as a fan of the Korean production, I was surprised to hear you talking about being curious about what larger productions that are not directed by new directors would look like! They're currently doing the 10th anniversary run of Rebecca in South Korea, and the show is extremely popular and well-received there.

[@lindsayissorad]

Here in Korea, Rebecca is arguably one of the most popular musicals. Big name stars fill the lead roles and shows are sold out left and right. I hope it gets a chance in other countries too. It really is fantastic.

[@adrummingman]

They stage it at Sonic… 😂 I suspect that joke will get lost on a lot of UK folks. Sonic is a fast food chain in the US that is known for having their employees deliver the food on roller skates.

[@markkoehr5003]

Daphne du Maurier's original novel is really good. As someone who has only read the novel, I am curious how the musical captures the fact that Rebecca still has this overwhelming presence over all the characters throughout the story. Even though she died before the books starts.

[@KaiOpaka]

Just read the book. I wanted to see this show before because of WITW. Now I *really* want to see it. Great novel.

[@Phelie315]

Having seen the show in Germany I think they did a great job keeping her presence around. Not just the wind whispering XD

[@Merina2222]

You're both very kind to this production, I was so appalled by the amaturish set - but LOVED the material. Excited for your full review!

[@felixelquinto3268]

My fiancé and I got so hyped after watching the Wait in the Wings documentary and seeing that this production existed that we booked a 2-day trip from Madrid to see it -- only for the performance to be cancelled minutes before the show started due to technical difficulties 😩 That's probably evidence of those ongoing set/effect changes, maybe we'll be able to carve out the time and money to make a second attempt before they close (and to get our refund, it's only good going toward the purchase of other tickets through London Theatre)

[@danielle2661]

I LOVED wait in the wing's Rebecca videos. It's a real life, cosy mystery! Perfect for the season!

[@Nymwhen]

Thank you so much for the review

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

I myself would also throw in Mozart Das Musical, for good measure!

[@Nymwhen]

@michaelwilliamybarra2409 yes definitely!! And Marie Antoinette (which they put on in Japan)

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

@@Nymwhen They've also done a fictionalized musical adaptation of Queen Elizabeth the First's tutelage and eventual rise to power, called Lady Bess the Musical, which itself first premiered in Japan and has now had it's German premiere this February! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmPagGmqp8mJfLs&pp=ygUcbGFkeSBiZXNzIG11c2ljYWwgc291bmR0cmFjaw%3D%3D kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5yTY3hngMSEeNE

[@OperaGhost97]

@@michaelwilliamybarra2409 Wie wird man seinen Schatten los? is one of my favourite musical theatre songs of all time. It just SLAPS on so many levels, especially the finale reprise segueing in from Mozart, Mozart. Rebecca, Elisabeth, Tanz der Vampire (not the Broadway one, gods, no), Mozart!, Monte Cristo all highly recommended.

[@jessawall3510]

lost?? is that you?? if it is you i'm not surprised

[@elizabethratcliffe3859]

I cannot wait to see this! I live for rebecca, i cannot count the amount of times i've read it, and while maxime's casting has thrown me for a loop i shall see it as fast as i can!

[@sandramilfort9261]

WoW to see you both together …what a treat 👏🏾🫶🏾🙏🏾

[@toric6005]

I’m always excited to see these 2 channels cross over!!!!!!

[@marknewman4252]

Super informative! I've been curious about this show for ages and I have a ticket for one of the final performances at Charing Cross!

[@kozmaz87]

I have seen Rebecca in Hungary multiple times. It was one of the most mesmerising productions, the staging of it all was so great and Mrs Danvers so terrifying I loved every moment of it. I have tickets for next week I am so excited.

[@leebeeleaves]

Rebecca the musical is a huge hit in South Korea (where I am currently living). It’s so big that a very famous KPop star is playing I. I’m going to go see it in a couple of months and I look forward to reporting back!

[@Nope-jl5rs]

The german production is also gigantic, i think it's super easy to forget that if you only read about its english production. People adore this musical, there's tons of cast recordings, sold out shows left and right, it's crazy

[@yaelhoefs4791]

I found Wait in the Wings because of the Rebecca thumbnail. The actress is Pia Douwes and she is a Dutch musical star who also played a lot of great roles in Germany and Vienna as well. So I was curious what the video was about. It's so fun to see you making a video together!

[@greglecker8013]

Having MickeyJoTheatre & WaitintheWings "on set" together blows my mind. I had to watch twice - once just to enjoy the conversation between two of my favorite hosts - and a second time to take in the review! You have to do this "duet" once a year - maybe you can alternate London & NYC!

[@nayersss]

Ah yes, was waiting for this video! I hope to see this soon, Rebecca is my favourite book!

[@Jaderust]

So excited to see your full review! I’ve been wanting to see this show and a friend are desperate to get over to London to see this!

[@bradleyh7582]

This is a regular video podcast that we need!!!!

[@mickmunn]

This was brilliant MickeyJo thank you, you should do more of this, a lot of musical have lots of issues Chess is one example that didn't work. but great content.

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

He touched on this in his review of the Theatre Royal Drury Lane concert performance of Chess: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paWzd6SMbdR9rqs&pp=ygUYbWlja2V5IGpvZSB0aGVhdHJlIGNoZXNz

[@Locke350]

10:34 Yep, when I watched the show last night I had a big smile on my face when “I” stood up to Mrs Danvers in “Mrs de Winter is Me”. Such a brilliant performance from Lauren Jones who I got to see as Bonnie in Bonnie & Clyde last year.

[@zuzanka1981]

I travelled to Vienna this spring to see Rebecca at the Raimund theatre. It was awesome.

[@Muswell]

Loved this interview. Thanks !

[@markbeck8384]

I really enjoyed the two of you together, as i have watched both of you separately. I have heard little bits of Rebecca here and there, and it has always struck me that it could work, and is a story people love. I hope perhaps this is a start of it making it eventually to Broadway. I am an Opera fan however, and the bits I have seen have seemed a bit Operatic. Maybe where it belongs is on the Met or NYC Opera stage, sort of like Candide or Porgy & Bess? ( On the other hand, Evita and Phantom certainly worked). I would like it if the two of you could cover the new production of Merrily, which is another difficult show I would love to see work. And, yes, as someone else mentioned, Chess is a brilliant show that never quite worked, but should have. Other ones like that are Dear World and Celebration.

[@richill4545]

PRAYING the full spectacle of the show comes to Broadway been waiting to see this since it was originally supposed to come over a decade ago! On a side note Brendan is way too cute Fiancée is one lucky girl!

[@firstflowerinspace]

Love this review but also Mr Wait in the Wings where did you get that shirt

[@___David__]

I'm going to my grave bragging that I managed to bully Brendon into pronouncing "Du Maurier" correctly 🤣 As for the smaller staging, "Rebecca" is absolutely a show that works on a more intimate setting as long as the orchestra is also still there. It can also work with a smaller orchestra but the large sets (the German productions do that) but cutting both strips a lot of the magic of the show. Yeah, it's the best musical ever written but you can only stab it so many times... 😅 I considered booking tickets to see the London production but I ended up deciding against it. Mostly because I really fear for the English translations. I'm familiar with Kunze's original demo lyrics and I've heard a few of the tweaked ones... But being tweaked by Don Black doesn't really fill me with a lot of confidence. But I hope the show is a success and gets a West End transfer with proper big sets, orchestra and the whole package. 'cause I'll definitely fly to jolly old England to see that one.

[@szabethebabe]

Just when I finally got the main theme from Rebecca out of my head 😂

[@ogaoms8985]

"It was (no pun inteneded) *burned*" 😂😂😂😂

[@ROUBIX]

I LOVED REBECCA! I'm actually going back two more times ❤

[@Naks2099]

I remember hearing about Rebecca back in 2098. And wondered what was happening with it. Glad it’s getting a second life. Also so happy to see my favorite theatre KZbinrs together!

[@oriousblack]

You search for some footage of Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers, and the algorithm just looks right through you. And yes, I’m watching it!

[@beckyBWwilliams]

I saw it this Saturday. Overall I enjoyed it. I wish the atmosphere had been developed a bit more and the set was a bit more dramatic (you know which bit I mean!) But the actors were all great and had brilliant voices and it was a good show! Also the mrs Danvers song is now my ringtone lol. 😂

[@thomasbradley4505]

I had been wondering if the thing she’s talking about would be as dramatic as the German production and it’s sounds like it’s not 😢

[@disneydanny2]

so now that there is *FINALLY* an *ENGLISH* production of Rebecca, where do you think the first English production of "Elisabeth" will happen. I *CAN'T* be the *ONLY* one obsessed with music to "Ich Gehor Nur Mir" am I?

[@sophielicious9174]

"Die Schatten werden länger", "Der letzte Tanz", "Wenn ich tanzen will", "Kitsch", "Milch"....yeah, this should definitely happen! Though the story is a mouthful. But no matter if it ever gets picked up for Broadway or West End....we'll always have the German version and the fact that it is successfull (even internationally) on its own without having or needing a credit like a Tony or an Olivier. But yeah, I would love for Levay and Kunze to get the recognition they deserve in the English speaking world! :)

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

Honestly I would LOVE an English production of Elisabeth. However, Sisi isn’t really as well known of a historical figure in the Anglophone world and it might not be very well received.

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

@@PhoenixJohnson29 I suspect were more likely to get English translations of Kunze and Levay's musicals of Mozart, Marie Antoinette, and Lady Bess(their take on the rise of Queen Elizabeth the 1st to power) ESPECIALLY before intrest in the Empress Elisabeth spreads beyond the absolute Kitsch of her world the likes of André Rieu would try to present, even if they were to try banking on the same recognition strategy(MAYBE EVEN Releasing an English concept album) Rice and Webber took for Evita.

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

@@michaelwilliamybarra2409 I totally agree with you. Also I see what you did there with Kitsch 😂😂😂😂

[@l0_0l]

omg, hey! brendon and mickey together in person…?! can we have more, please…?

[@theunamiable]

Hoping they extend it -- just an extra week means we'll be able to see it in our week of theatre.

[@angelaweber9683]

Saw it on Saturday, loved it and will go again. 👏👏👏🎶

[@PTBP-CB]

I saw Rebecca and sat near the back of the charring cross and i could hear the band occasionally in row V, 3rd from the back but even then i could only hear the drummer on a powerful snare hit. i also saw Brendon on my way and got a cool pic with him.

[@Nikki-tx6kh]

I follow you both and this was a great treat. I plan to watch the show, as I am a fan of the book. Just sewing a little cardigan, so I can wear my Rebecca (Spanish slang for cardigan, literally coming from the cardigans Joan wears in the movie) to Rebecca.

[@oliviapilson]

I saw it the first week and the cast was fantastic! Lauren ('I') was such a highlight. I saw Melanie (u/s for Kara) as Mrs Danvers but she was great too. Was a bit sad she didn't sing the original renditions of 'Rebecca' (without lower sections) but it was still great! At first I was hesitant with Richard as Mr de Winter but he honestly won me over after his first solo number. Overall loved it and hope it goes to the West End (and maybe broadway)!!!

[@arianahofer9912]

Hearing Brendon off-handedly mention a stripped-down Turn Off the Dark was so validating as someone who has been pitching a black-box theatre version for YEARS

[@nadineschulze8914]

@waitinthewings which version do you like better... the original vienna version, Stuttgart version, new vienna version or british version? Are you going to see it again in London? @MickeyJo are you going to see it again after the premiere?

[@PatrickJohn-u6v]

Love to see these two together in many situations :-).

[@Zottie]

as someone who sat in the row in front of the back row, you definitely can't hear the band other than how it's intended, was very good! I was a little sad a key character sings to the back of the stage a lot and you lose some of the phenomenal performance going on - perhaps this might be adjusted too. If I lived closer to London I'd for sure go and see it again to see how it might differ to the previews! Definitely worth a watch

[@matthewdodson9422]

I can’t wait to see it Sunday.

[@blurist]

Hoping to be able to see the show in London. Curious to see all of the changes from the Vienna version. Side note though; Mrs, VanHopper's song at the costume party isn't bashing "I", it's bashing Americans. It's called "I'm an American Woman" and just leans into a bunch of American stereotypes.

[@Greg_Romford]

Cheers guys, due to this video I've booked up to see Rebecca at the Charing Cross on the 23rd.

[@dalehitchman874]

Well if this isn’t love in the making ! Mickey is like a besotted school girl , soooooo funny to watch , he’s obvs madly in love

[@Russqua]

saying it's the first time having a new director is super unfair to the czech, hungarian, romanian and russian productions

[@Nope-jl5rs]

Not even all of the german versions had the same director, I believe. Maybe only the ones in Austria? That sentence confused me

[@ogaoms8985]

WAIT REBECCA IS HAPPENING? 😮😮😮

[@IWillBeHers]

The last time I was this early was for the Bad Cinderella review.

[@kevinjoe1211]

the majority of English-speaking british people or american people hardly know well a foreign language, which confines their cultural scope. Rebecca is actually one of the best german muscials.

[@sarahoswald3833]

So the song “I am an American woman” was cut? 😄 such a shame, really enjoyed it in the Austrian version

[@TwoWholeWorms]

AAAAH!!! THEY'RE IN THE SAME ROOM!!! :D

[@jonathanfgh1]

As Oscar Wilde said "The only one thing worse than being talked and that is NOT being talked about" Rebecca the musical has a life of it's own.

[@andyrosiak7775]

In case Brendan reads this, I would LOVE to know where he got his shirt from please, it's lovely.

[@andyrosiak7775]

*Brendon sorry

[@katherinescott4450]

My two FAVS

[@cherbibler3265]

What about Korea? It's huge in Korea. I only know this from youtube.

[@PrivatePrivate-so4if]

I view and always admire your insightful reviews so I went to see Rebecca. Give us a break!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Haven't actually reviewed it yet, that's coming after I see the press night next week!

[@PrivatePrivate-so4if]

@@MickeyJoTheatre I hope that it’s got it’s act together by then poor souls. Thanks for replying. You are by far the most rigorous and informed of the new breed of young reviewers. Keep up the good work it’s really needed!

[@kayame18]

Rebecca is.. the bad Cinderella. While running down the burning stairs she forgets her shoe.

[@beabravo6759]

My Kings meeting ❤

[@OceanbornAngel]

Can it be fair to say that Rebecca the Musical in English needs a lot of revisions because certain areas have some wonky pacing. If I were to revise the script I'd remove a song or two that are too derivative of Phantom of the Opera and Le Mis. I speak mostly of the Masquerade Ball scenes. The beginning is too much like a Temu version of Masquerade and the song Mrs. Van Hopper sings wants to be Master of the House from Le Mis. That and the slightly condescending tone towards Americans WILL NOT play very well in the U.S. I'd remove those two offending songs, rework the aesthetic to resemble the Hitchcock movie and have a new song for the guests and the house staff to sing that's not evocative of other well known spectacle musicals. I'd also use the Hitchcock movie more as the template for the visual style as well as rework how certain characters are presented in the script.

[@PhoenixJohnson29]

It’s interesting that Brendon mentions the servants and how their songs translate to English. In German they just seem to be curious about her in “Die Neue Mrs. de Winter” and still somewhat hopeful she’ll adjust while in “Merkwürdig” they’re a bit annoyed with her, but it’s clear they’re more worried about Maxim and how they think this marriage isn’t good for him. But then you hear it in English and they’re just plain MEAN to ‘I’ and constantly roasting her to the point of maliciousness, especially in “Merkwürdig”. Like wow, that was especially jarring for me 😂 EDIT: I’m kind of curious what they did with Mrs. Van Hopper after Monte Carlo since “I’m an American Woman” was cut. Like, did the actress just sit backstage for the rest of the show? Did they have her double as the ensemble once they get to Manderley?

[@DDTC73]

Isn't this production more about seeing how the English lyrics work, rather than the production itself?

[@LanceoftheNoe]

I was in Vienna in April for work and saw the show. That theater was stunning as was the set. I was not as enthralled with the music or the English lyrics on the surtitles. The ending was pretty stunning as were the voices of the actors. I did not love the actress playing "I". She felt like she was phoning it in a bit. I do only hope for the best for the show though.

[@LightningRound1st]

I'm intrigued with Rebecca--the novel is wonderful, as is the Alfred Hitchcock movie. However, "Dance of the Vampires" was horrifyingly bad. Knowing there is a connection gives me pause!

[@MarkvanBeelen]

The Broadway show “Dance of the Vampires” is incomparable with the original Vienna production of “Tanz der Vampire”. Listen to the original Vienna cast album if you want to get an idea of exactly how different they are. The show just closed Stuttgart (again) and is coming to Hamburg (again). That production is based on the lavish original Viennese production, but it’s scaled down a bit so it’s able to move the set easier from theatre to theatre.

[@lorenbennington4952]

Why do they look lie they are related? Like I would totally buy MickeyJoe being Brendon's British Cousin 😂❤

[@ashleyj97]

Do I sense another saga coming?

[@rebieroo99]

feel personally attacked Brendons when things go wrong its rebecca after how much went wrong in my life lately

[@Emmaleekoreaadventures]

I feel like this musical is bad luck🥲 Also this is Only Murders in the Building season 3 vibes.

[@LilianaCroush]

I was so excited when I saw they were finally staging it in London, knew I needed to go! Going to be interesting with the smaller stage and ensamble/orchestra, but liking what I'm hearing about a more realistic staging. The enamble pieces later in the score are my favourite numbers anyway, so I'm not that bothered about them cutting some of the Monte Carlo songs. Coming over from Norway in november to see it with a fellow Rebecca fan. Hoping it gets good reviews and it opens up the way for other non-english musicals, my fingers are crossed for a WestEnd Tanz der Vampire adaption😎

[@Amy-zq5kn]

the best thing about this show is the vocal performances, but the plot, the score and staging are... so-so

[@ivoslauch376]

Go to Vienna to see what Rebecca is supposed to look like! London show is horrible, but those two young actors are good.

[@lucafalco-pitt9289]

I watched it and it was genuinely so disappointing in every way

[@kleen31]

Michael Kunze is NOT the composer!☝🏼☝🏼☝🏼🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️🤦🏼‍♂️

[@stevielove4778]

Sorry but Brendan is way too close not to be biased when speaking about this show. If you have to hear the auteur’s description of the art to appreciate it, it’s not good art. REBECCA’s material (PARTICULARLY the lyrics) are extremely juvenile. Without being cruel, these songs are bad. A high-schooler could have penned them.

[@tananario]

Sure. Random on the internet!

[@MickeyJoTheatre]

Did you also catch the part where he acknowledged this directly? He's also not reviewing here - neither of us are as it was a preview.

[@andrewstorm8240]

No way will this transfer, story is too thin

[@annabraithwaite9611]

How is the story too thin. Rebecca the book is a classic that has a very rich and layered story

[@BellePullman]

The book is a well known classic, plenty of people will go see "Daphne Du Maurier's Rebecca" as a musical. The fact they're not currently marketing it that way might be a weakness though, as it's not as immediately apparent this is an adaption of the book as, say, "Les Miserables" is. It's a familiar, bankable Intellectual Property to market!

[@andrewstorm8240]

Do you hear the people sing?@@BellePullman